The Smith Family established the Learning Club after principal Glenn Murray identified the need for additional literacy support for Year 2 students, particularly those who spoke English as a second language.

‘We’re thrilled to be able to be part of this program, and it’s been great to see the impact that this extra support is already having on the students’ skills and confidence,’ he said.

Tahlia Pyke from The Smith Family said the club provided a safe and supportive environment for up to 20 local students to develop their learning potential with 15 Boyare students regularly attending since it established in August.

She said 85 per cent of Boyare students were from CaLD backgrounds, spoke English as a second language and had low literacy levels.

Ms Pyke said the club acted as a preventative measure for the students to catch up to their peers before going into Year 3.

‘After the 10 or 12 sessions, the students’ reading levels improved as well as their confidence ” they began engaging further and putting their hands up to answer questions in class,’ she said.

‘We taught the students a lot of life skills to help them as well.’ Ms Pyke said the club’s play-based learning approach was very successful, with all 15 students graduating in early December.